It is recomended that the Yachtmaster Offshore Preparation is completed before the exam as this gives the candidate a higher chance of success.

The ISA Yachtmaster Offshore Certificate of Competence Syllabus - Yachtmaster Offshore Exam Syllabi (ISA MCA) - Candidates may be given the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge or competence in the areas listed below

In each section the examiner will expect to see the candidate take full responsibility for the management of the yacht and crew. In ISA Yachtmaster Offshore exams the candidate will be expected to demonstrate competence based on broad experience.

International Regulations for preventing Collisions at Sea

Questions will be confirmed to the International Regulations and although Yachtmaster candidates must be aware of the existence of Local Regulations they will not be expected to memorise specific local regulations:

Safety

Yachtmaster Candidates will be expected to know what safety equipment should be carried on board a Motorboat, based either on the recommendations in ISA booklet C8, the Special Regulations of the ORC or the Codes of Practice for the Safety of Small Commercial Vessels. In particular, candidates must know the responsibilities of a skipper in relation to:

Safety harnesses

Lifejackets

Distress flares

Fire prevention and fighting

Liferafts

Knowledge of rescue procedures. Helicopter rescue.

Boat Handling

Candidates for Yachtmaster Offshore exam will be expected to answer questions or demonstrate ability in more complex situations and will also be expected to show a higher level of expertise:

Coming to and weighing anchor, under power in various conditions of wind and tide

All berthing and un-berthing situations in various conditions of wind and tide

Recovery of man overboard

Towing, under open sea conditions and in confined areas

Boat handling in confined areas

Boat handling in heavy weather Helmsmanship to best advantage Use of warps for securing in an alongside berth and for shifting berth or winding

General Seamanship & Maintenance

Properties, use and care of synthetic fibre ropes

Knots

General deck-work, at sea and in harbour

Engine operations and routine checks

Improvisation of jury rigs following gear failure Responsibilities of Skipper

Ability to make passage planning decisions based on forecast information Signals

Course programme

Exam Type: Practical may have theory assessment.

Required Experience: A restricted (VHF only) Radio Operators Certificate or a GMDSS Short Range Certificate or higher grade of marine radio certificate. A valid first aid certificate. 50 days, 2,500 miles including at least 5 passages over 60 miles measured along the rhumb line from the port of departure to the destination, acting as skipper for at least two of these passages and including two which have involved overnight passages. 5 days experience as skipper. At least half this mileage and passages must be in tidal waters. All qualifying seatime must be within 10 years prior to the exam.